Levittown's UPK program offers young learners a nurturing, play-based environment where they can grow, explore, and thrive. Through hands-on activities and purposeful play, children build early literacy and math skills, develop creativity, and learn to navigate social interactions with confidence.

Please see Tender Garden's website for additional information.

---

About the Levittown Universal Pre-K Program

The Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) program offered by the Levittown School District is provided free of charge to families , thanks to funding from New York State UPK Grants . The program is available only to families who reside within the district's boundaries .

Enrollment is determined through a lottery system , which ensures equal opportunity for all eligible children.

The UPK program operates on the Levittown School District calendar and provides five hours of instruction each school day. At this time, the program is offered exclusively through our community partner, Tender Garden.

In the 25-26 school year, it is being offered in two locations: Tender Garden at St. Bernard's - 3100 Hempstead Turnpike and Tender Garden at Summit Lane Elementary - 4 Summit Lane

In UPK classrooms, children participate in play-based learning in a safe and engaging environment. They take part in a variety of hands-on activities such as art, block building, storytelling, and imaginative play. These activities support children's creativity , help build social skills , and encourage them to practice sharing, problem-solving, and self-regulation.

The curriculum used in the UPK program is called "Pre-K On My Way" (Scholastic). It is based on proven early childhood education practices and supports learning in all key areas, including language, literacy, math, and social-emotional development. Through the use of real books and purposeful play , the curriculum helps children build a strong foundation and develop a love for learning.

The Levittown School District's UPK program is thoughtfully designed to help children transition smoothly into kindergarten , giving them the skills and confidence they need for future academic success.

---

Assessing Academic Readiness

Before the school year begins, your child will participate in a developmental screening at their Universal Pre-K (UPK) site during the summer. This screening is required by New York State Education Regulations and must take place when your child enters the program.

The Levittown School District uses the Brigance Early Childhood Screen III , a widely recognized and reliable tool for assessing young children's development. This screening provides accurate and valid results to help us understand your child's readiness for school.

The age-appropriate screening measures your child's abilities in the following areas:

• Physical Development
• Language Development
• Academic and Cognitive Development (including early literacy and math skills)

Your child's progress will also be monitored through additional assessments in the winter and at the end of the school year.

For additional information on New York State Learning Standards or State UPK programs, please see the following:

• New York State Office Of Early Learning
• NYS Prekindergarten Learning Standards
• NYS Council on Children and Families
• National Association for the Education of Young Children

---

Preschool and Prekindergarten Special Education Services

Some children in Pre-K may be eligible for specialized instruction and/or related services to support their learning in the classroom.

If your child received Early Intervention (EI) services (from birth to age three) and may still need support, your EI Service Coordinator can help you with the transition and referral process to the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE).

If your child is between ages 3-5 and did not receive Early Intervention services, but shows delays in areas such as speech, movement, learning, behavior, or physical development (fine and gross motor skills), you can contact the CPSE Chairperson in the Levittown School District to begin the referral process.

If eligible, your child may receive special education services, such as:

For questions about Preschool Special Education, please contact the Levittown School District CPSE Department at 516-434-7050.

---

Program Information

• School is in session Monday through Friday, 5 hours per day
• The program follows the Levittown School District calendar
• Lunch must be sent from home
• We are a peanut-free program
• A morning snack is provided by the school
• Playground or gym time is scheduled daily
• A change of clothes is required for all students
• Morning care, aftercare, and enrichment programs are available at Tender Garden's St. Bernard's location for an additional fee
• Transportation is not provided

---

Parent Resources (Recursos Para Padres)

Guidance for Supporting Positive Behaviors at Home (NYSED)

---